The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1887-12-16
FACTS FOR SOLDIERS.


FACTS FOR SOLDIERS.
Why They shOus. oppose All TsFt9s
T1nksrlnI Schemes.
1t must be kept in mind by all that
there is really no popular demand for
reduction of the revenues. What
ever talk there is comes from noisy
politicians who want to make show
Of doing great things for the dear peo-
pie. For years our system of National
revenue has sat so lightly that no ono
is conscious of being taxed, and no one
would be richer. no one have his COM
forts increased. by any alteration in
the system. The only possible cx-
ception 10 this general statement is i'm
regard to the tobacco tax. which is OBJ
jected to by many tobacco growers.
The amount that any one citizen pays
of this is so small that it hardly forms
sufficient cause for complaint. When
box of cigars only pays thirty cents.
and pound of smoking or chewing
tobacco but eight cents tax the burden
on the consumer is as Insignificant rs
can well be imagined.
Then it must be kept in mind. too.
that the main reason for sustaining
our revenue system is not the money it
pours into the Treasury. but other con-
siderations. 1t is desirable to retain tine
tax on whisky, beer and tobacco to
keep in order machinery which it has
cost us immensely to develop and
which it is cheaper to continue than tn
create anew when some National ex-
igency shall demand an increase in
revenue. No civilized nation allows
whisky, beer and tobacco to go I'M
taxed. All of them consider it con-
trary to public policy to do so.
The taxes imposed on foreign impor-
tatiOns are for the purpose of protect
ing our domestic industries. So far
from there being any general demand
for q reduction of the number or
amount of these the reverse is true.
From every State in the country comes
urgent pressure for an increase of the
duties on some special article. Even
from South Carolina-the home Of
Calhoun and Notification ON account
of tariff-cOmes demand in which all
the leading citizens Join for an increase
of the duties on rice. Louisiana
wants more protection for sugar.
Texas asks that higher taxes
be imposed on wool, hides and
leather. Florida wants her citron
culture encouraged by higher tariff
ON lemons and oranges. and her cigar
factories aided by the practical ex-
clusion of Havana cigars. Georgia,
which has found mine of wealth in her
magnificent pitch pine forests, wants to
keep out foreign timber. and SO on
through the entire list. There is not .
community but has some industry.
staple or manufacture. which is pro-
tected by the tariff. and which fears
the evil effects of any tinkering with
the tariff. especially at this time. when
the country is in such prosperous
condition. and when ill-advised med
ding may bring disastrous conse-
quences.
The soldiers of the country are in
terested as citizens in maintaining
taxes. the imposition of which is con-
sidered beneficial by those directly af-
fected by them. and they have special
interest of their own. The great re-
duction of the revenue which is so
strenuously urged by certain papers
and politicians would demoralize bust
ness and prostrate many flourishing
industries. 1t would also put an end
to all hopes of just extension Of the
pension system. With no income with
which to pay arrears of pension. to
bOunties and to provide for
the care of disabled soldiers, none Of
these just and honorable things would
be done.
The thing for all veterans to do is to
insist that there shall be
no revenue tinkering, no curtailment
of the Nations power to meet its hon.
est obligations to its defenders. until
every debt due the soldiers and their
dependent ones is as scrupulously set
tied as were the debts due the money
lenders
Let us all stand shoulder to shoulder
on this platform. Tribune
G.. a. R.)